Don't criticize Hartati Murdaya

Don't criticize Hartati Murdaya

I am bewildered why Buddhist students and a group of Buddhists
personally attacked Hartati Murdaya after she expressed her views
in a program on TVRI in which prominent community figures
participated.

Their opinions were different from the students on the subject
of student demonstrations. The attitude of wanting to win for
oneself by blaming others, without any introspection, is not
right.

I have seen for myself Hartati doing social work, including
carrying a 10 kg rice sack in a team of volunteers of both
Buddhists and other religions. Therefore, the Buddhist community
should be proud to have Hartati, who is in my opinion not only a
community figure but also a national asset, among their ranks.

It is hard to find a person like Hartati who is willing to
sacrifice her wealth, time and thoughts in the interests of the
Buddhist community as a whole, especially the little people who
strongly desire philanthropy.

Therefore, I appeal to Buddhist students and individuals who
have written open letters in which they attack and oppose
Hartati, to stop doing so. Join Hartati in her social work and
distribute free foodstuffs to the needy and offer free medical
treatment.

These activities take place nearly every week, sometimes
through Paramita, the (social concern) foundation led by Hartati,
sometimes with Jakarta administration officials and Armed Forces
members. In my opinion to work together with and to be close to
government officials and Armed Forces members is not a sin, not
something hateful.

GUSTI PUTU NEGARA

Jakarta